Shostakovich’s Second Violin Concerto (1967) inhabits, according to music writer Gerard McBurney, ‘a world of half-lights, confessions and deceptions.’ One hundred years previously, Tchaikovsky had approached his First Symphony (1866) with all the anxious fervour of youth, working until a doctor declared him ‘one step away from insanity.’ His brother agreed, ‘No other work cost him such effort and suffering.’ Yet the composer always retained great affection for this most lyrical ‘sin of my youth.’

Pre-concert performance: Guildhall Artists at the Barbican6–6.45pm, Barbican HallSongs by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich performed by Anna Starushkevych (mezzo-soprano), Piran Legg (baritone) and James Sherlock (piano)Free entry